ESSEX Leopards will be heading to Southend later this month.

The Big Cats will host Bristol Academy Flyers at the Southend Tennis & Leisure Centre on Sunday February 17.

And player coach Robert Youngblood is looking forward to his side playing at another new venue.

“It’s a great place to play,” said Youngblood.

“When the Essex Pirates played there they got 1,400 at one game against Plymouth in their last year and they averaged 700 in their final 10 games so it would be great to see some of those fans turn out to support us.”

Leopards previously played two BBL games at the venue in the 1998/99 season with capacity crowds seeing them win on both occasions.

The Southend Tennis & Leisure Centre then hosted the Essex Pirates between 2009 and 2011.

Leopards’ game there against the Flyers will tip off at 4pm with adult tickets costing £6 and children £4.

A family ticket for two adults and two children is also available for £16.